Argentina
Valle Las Acequias Oak Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: A solid citizen with black fruit, toasty oak and mocha. Balanced and full-bodied. Good price. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: charcuterie, barbecued steaks, sausages, back ribs. Drink: 2014 - 2017 287516 14% D 750 mL $18.95 Score: 87/100. April 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Catena Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Mendoza, Argentina: A full-bodied red wine made from high mountain vines and featuring enticing aromas of dark fruit and smoke on the nose. Supremely satisfying velvet texture with gorgeously fleshy black plums and dark berries. Perfect for dinner parties or casual gatherings. This winery sources its Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from four different vineyards in the Andes for greater complexity. Lovely spice and pepper on the finish. Try with hearty meat dishes and BBQ meats. This wine was made using a five-day cold maceration to concentrate it's flavours. Then is was aged in oak for a year. It's a blend of 4 vineyards and the grapes aside from cabernet sauvignon include: 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: pepper steak, beef empanadas, chicken cacciatore, venison burgers, hard cheese. Drink: 2014 - 2018 985002 13.9% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. April 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Catena Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Mendoza, Argentina Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: pepper steak, beef empanadas, chicken cacciatore, venison burgers, hard cheese. Drink: 2014 - 2018 985002 13.9% XD 750 mL $19.95 April 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Australia
Fowles Wine The Exception Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Strathbogie Ranges, Victoria, Australia: Extraordinary. Complex, rich, deep and powerful. Classic aromas of blackberry and blackcurrant that rise above the genre with classic, elegant expression. This Australian Cabernet is comprised of single parcels of grapes fom the vineyard that are blended in a never to be repeated again blend. Buying this wine should not be the exception, but rather the rule. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: steak. Drink: 2014 - 2019 362137 14.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 93/100. April 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Zonte's Footstep Baron Von Nemesis Single Site Shiraz 2010, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Fantastic for the price! Full-bodied and juicy with layers of mouth-watering flavours: blackberry pie and black plums. this single site wine is produced by Baron Von Nemesis in the heart of the Barossa Valley. Smooth and terrific. Loaded with toasty oak. Great party wine. Decant 2 hours. Shiraz food pairings: grilled meats and vegetables, stew, pizza, grilled or spice-rubbed chicken, fajitas. Drink: 2013 - 2017 212936 14.5% D 750 mL $23.25 Score: 90/100. April 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Jim Barry Wines The Cover Drive Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia: Juicy, full-bodied and delicious! Fleshy ripe blackberry and black cherries lead on the nose of this robust red wine. Good layering and complexity. Straight-up pleasure! Try it with a juicy steak tonight. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: hamburgers , pulled pork, venison burgers, hard cheese, prime rib. Drink: 2013 - 2018 677476 14.5% XD 750 mL $26.95 Score: 90/100. April 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Stella Bella Skuttlebutt Shiraz Cabernet 2009, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia: A real palate-grabber! Fleshy black plum, minty aromas in this red wine wonder! Walk down this tunnel of sensory pleasure ... brush your taste buds against the walls of caressing black fruit flavour. Smooth, deep, rich. Madly, truly, deeply. Drink: 2014 - 2018 58131 14% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. April 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Canada
Fielding Estate Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2013, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Citrus-melon with some herbal-grassy notes, but nicely balanced. Fresh, crisp and refreshing. Great as an aperitif or with salads. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: sashimi, green salads. Drink: 2013 - 2015 131235 12% XD 750 mL $18.95 Score: 88/100. April 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
June's Vineyard Riesling 2011, Creek Shores, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Mouth-watering acidity that demands and dances with food in this zesty white wine. This V.Q.A. wine is lime essence wrapped in lemon zest. Pure, unadulterated citrus sunbeams. Racy finish. Great price. Riesling food pairings: grilled tuna steaks, lemon pepper chicken, mildly spicy gourmet sausages, soft cheese, spicy food. Drink: 2013 - 2018 147512 11.2% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. April 2014. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Malivoire Wine Company Gewürztraminer 2012, Beamsville Bench, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Almost stereotypical gewürztraminer in a great way: got mixed baking spices? Check. Rose petal? Check. Lychee? Check. Okay move on to the Asian dish table please. Gewürztraminer food pairings: coconut-breaded shrimp, Thai basil duck. Drink: 2014 - 2017 542522 13% M 750 mL $24.95 Score: 88/100. April 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Chile
Montes Limited Selection Carménere 2011, Apalta Vineyard, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Rich, black cherry liqueur aromas and flavours made this full-bodied red wine so seductive. Ultra-plush and voluptuous. Smooth and satisfying sensual pleasure. There's a terrific spice-infused finish wrapped in cedar smoke. Try this with pork tenderloin. Carménere food pairings: hamburger, ribs in a rich sauce, spicy dishes, tomato-based dishes, beef tenderloin. Drink: 2013 - 2017 256685 14.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 88/100. April 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Perez Cruz Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Maipo Valley, Chile: Juicy purple plums and blueberries on the nose and palate. Full-bodied and smooth and mouth-watering. Some dark pepper and more purple-blue fruit notes on the finish. This wine is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with a splash of Syrah and Carmenere grapes. Some vanilla smoke and dark fruit on the finish. Try it with grilled meats. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: hamburgers , pulled pork, venison burgers, hard cheese, prime rib, fajitas. Drink: 2014 - 2017 311753 13.5% XD 375 mL $8.95 Score: 88/100. April 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Marques de Casa Concha Carmenere 2008, Peumo, Rapel Valley, Chile: This savoury and juicy red wine, features big black plum and berry aromas and flavours. Full-bodied and smooth carmenere. Offers incredible quality and taste for the price. Try it with a hearty meat dish. Carmenere food pairings: spicy red meats, tomato-based dishes, rare steak, dark chocolate. Drink: 2013 - 2017 169862 14.5% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 90/100. April 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Perez Cruz Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Maipo Valley, Chile Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: hamburgers , pulled pork, venison burgers, hard cheese, prime rib, fajitas. Drink: 2014 - 2017 311753 13.5% XD 375 mL $8.95 April 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
France
Gustave Lorentz Réserve Riesling 2012, Alsace A.C., France: Intense with lime purity and lemon lift in this zesty AC white wine. Gorgeous, dry and mouth-watering. Medium-bodied and perfect for turkey dinner. Terrific aromatics green apple with a tangy citrus finish. Yes please! Riesling food pairings: pork loin, freshwater fish, turkey, salad, soft cheese. Drink: 2014 - 2019 641639 12.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 92/100. April 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Les Grands Mortiers Vouvray 2012, Loire A.C., France: This lovely chenin blanc offers floral and festive with attractive aromas of white peach. A terrific very early spring This A.C. Vouvray features lemon zest, mango and some lovely, luxurious candle wax notes (the latter, more texture than flavour). Very viscous, voluptuous and mouth-filling. Bring it! Vouvray food pairings: honey-glazed pork, mango chicken, Coquilles St. Jacques. Drink: 2013 - 2016 140889 12% MD 750 mL $22.95 Score: 89/100. April 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Germany
Loosen Bros. Dr. L Riesling 2012, Mosel, Germany: Love it! There's simply no better value white wine on the shelf. Lime blossom gorgeous. The alcohol is refreshingly low, yet this is no wimpy wine: it's packed with flavour. Perfect as an aperitif or companion to many dishes. Some terrific white pear and lime blossom on the finish of this Qualitätswein Q.B.A. wine. Try it with just about anything, but start with seafood or a medium curry. Riesling food pairings: pesto pasta with grilled shrimp, spinach quiche, salad, pork chops, seafood. Drink: 2013 - 2017 599274 8.5% MS 750 mL $13.95 Score: 91/100. April 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Greece
Gaia Thalassitis Assyrtiko 2012, Santorini, Aegean Islands P.D.O., Greece: Campfire smoke and lemon zest. Medium-bodied with vibrant acidity. An acquired taste, but one worth acquiring. Drink: 2014 - 2017 936640 13% XD 750 mL $23.95 Score: 89/100. April 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Hungary
Puklus Pincésze, 3 Puttonyos Tokaji Aszú 2008, Tokaj-Hegyalja, Hungary: Splendid! Rich apricot, clementine unfolds on the palate enveloped by layers of ripe peach goodness. Supremely great dessert wine! Hungary's Tokaji region is renowned for making the "king of wines" - the sweet wine Tokaji Aszù. The more “Puttonyos,” which range from 3 to 6, the sweeter the wine. This lovely dessert elixir finishes with apricot preserves, pear, and clementine. The acidity and moderate sweetness makes it very balanced and suitable for nuts, cheeses and fruit-based desserts. Tokaji Aszú food pairings: foie gras, blue-veined cheeses, crème brûlée. Drink: 2012 - 2022 980805 13.5% MS 500 mL $20.95 Score: 92/100. April 2014. Top Rated Dessert Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Italy
Ulisse Unico Pecorino 2012, Terre Di Chieti, Abruzzo I.G.T., Italy: Orange blossom, clementine and spring blossoms. Good acidic bite and more heft on the palate than I expected from such a pretty, flirty nose. Lovely. Pecorino food pairings: cream-based pasta, mild cheese. Drink: 2014 - 2018 249128 13% XD 750 mL $20.95 Score: 90/100. April 2014. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Villa Novare Bertani Bertani Villa Novare Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2010, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: Dry, supple and full-bodied with black fruit and smoke aromas and flavours. This DOC producer has been making wine in Valpolicella since 1857. Great combination of finesse and concentration. Try it with a rare steak. Bertani Villa Novare Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore food pairings: rare steak. Drink: 2014 - 2018 95810 13.5% D 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100. April 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Tedeschi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2010, Veneto D.O.C., Italy Drink: 2012 - 2018 433417 15.4% XD 750 mL $39.95 April 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Tedeschi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2011, Veneto D.O.C., Italy Drink: 2013 - 2019 433417 15.4% XD 750 mL $39.95 April 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Brigaldara Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2009, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: Meaty, savoury and succulent with layers of black fruit flavour, smoke and dried herbs. Perfectly balanced. Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico food pairings: succulent steak marinated in rosemary and olive oil. 300012 16.5% D 750 mL $78.95 Score: 94/100. April 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Michele Castellani Colle Cristi Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2008, D.O.C., Ca' Del Pipa, Veneto, Italy: Dried raisined cherry aromas on the nose of this seductive red wine, with a deep, luxurious layers of richness. Full-bodied and lip-smacking delicious aromas. A finish that says “buy me again!” This is a very generous Amarone, and lovers of this style should stock up. Incredibly long finish. Try it with hearty meat dishes. Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico food pairings: cheddar, sausage, lasagna, beef daube, leg of lamb. Drink: 2014 - 2022 222109 15.5% XD 750 mL $45.95 Score: 95/100. April 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Tedeschi Amarone della Valpolicella 2009, Veneto D.O.C., Italy: Black as night in hue with aromas and flavours to match. Layered, robust and complex. Great concentration that's undoing my own. Drink: 2011 - 2019 433417 15.4% XD 750 mL $39.95 Score: 93/100. April 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
New Zealand
Momo Seresin Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Herbal and refreshing with lots of mouth-watering, lime zest acidity for a range of dishes. There's some lemon zest on the finish. Intense, vibrant and clean. Bring it! Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: fresh seafood, spinach quiche, Thai green curry shrimp, grilled herbed chicken breast, pork tenderloin. Drink: 2013 - 2015 9167 13.5% XD 750 mL $17.95 Score: 92/100. April 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
South Africa
The Grinder Pinotage 2012, Swartland W.O., South Africa: Wine-coffee drink: I mean this kindly. It's lovely, especially if you love your espresso. So perfect with biscotti. Wait for at least 4 pm.This is my second tasting of the 2012 vintage, and it's consistent with the first one back in January. Pinotage food pairings: grilled meats, smoked pork. Drink: 2014 - 2017 572107 14% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 89/100. April 2014. Best Value Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Newton Johnson Pinot Noir 2012, Upper Hemel En Aarde Valley, Walker Bay W.O., South Africa: Lovely! Rich and layered yet not heavy. Fleshy cherries that you want to put your arm into up the shoulder then just move your fingers slowly. Black kirsch aromas on the finish, some oak and ultra supple. Drink: 2014 - 2018 660878 14.5% D 750 mL $26.95 Score: 92/100. April 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Spain
Club Lealtanza Reserva Tempranillo 2005, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Chiseled structure and terrific balance, with black fruit, smoke and dried herb aromas. This wine shows restraint that I know not. Drink: 2014 - 2018 293852 13.5% XD 750 mL $39.00 Score: 92/100. April 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Viña Herminia Reserva Tinto 2006, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Pleasant bitter bite on this rugged, full-bodied red wine with aromas of black fruit, tar, and smoke. Very satisfying finish. Drink: 2014 - 2018 236927 14% D 750 mL $27.95 Score: 88/100. April 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Finca Nueva Blanco Fermentado En Barrica 2012, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Lovely, light-bodied white wine with seductive aromas of toasted hazelnut and Asian pear. Some kind of wonderful. Great aperitif or companion to seafood. Drink: 2014 - 2017 280560 13% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 91/100. April 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
United States
Beaulieu Vineyard BV Beaurouge Named Varietal Blends-Red 2010, California, United States: A gloriously rich, full-bodied red wine that's a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Merlot, Syrah and other grapes. This will do well in the cellar, but why wait? Decant for 1-2 hours and try this with a rare, juicy steak tonight. Drink: 2014 - 2020 363531 14.5% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 93/100. April 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Fess Parker Viognier 2011, Santa Barbara County, California, United States: Floral edge, pleasant bite like June Cleaver on a bad day. Like the contrasts. Try with Asian dishes. Don't look at me in that tone of voice, young man! Drink: 2014 - 2017 297523 14.5% D 750 mL $25.95 Score: 89/100. April 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir 2011, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United States: Elegant and subtle with great restraint. Black cherry, dry with some grip. Needs cellar time. This winery benefits from New World energy and Old World expertise from the Drouhin family. It's a gorgeous winery to visit in the Dundee Hills of Oregon's Willamette Valley. Drink: 2015 - 2019 961284 13.9% XD 750 mL $60.00 Score: 89/100. April 2014. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Pahlmeyer Chardonnay 2012, Sonoma Coast, California, United States: Viscous and luscious with a slippery character that's easy to trust. Layered citrus white fruit, green apple and toasty oak with butterscotch at the tail end. Wish I didn't have to care about the prices of wine ... Where did my trust fund go? Drink: 2014 - 2020 222117 14.9% XD 750 mL $107.95 Score: 95/100. April 2014. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Le Cadeau Vineyard Diversité Pinot Noir 2010, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United States: This is my kind of American pinot noir! Seductive nose of black cherry, fresh earth, leaves and dried herbs. Trust me. Not sweet cherry fruit, no thank-you. Medium-bodied but bursting with flavour and character. Liquid silk finishes between satin sheets. Yes! Drink: 2014 - 2019 199752 13.5% D 750 mL $59.00 Score: 94/100. April 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
St. Francis Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Sonoma County, California, United States: Purple and black plum aromas with some blueberry compote on the side. Full-bodied, heart warming and layered on the palate. Very comforting finish. Meat lovers' pizza please! Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: meat stews. Drink: 2014 - 2020 671164 14.6% D 750 mL $37.95 Score: 93/100. April 2014. Top Rated Red Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Beaulieu Vineyards Coastal Estates Chardonnay 2011, California, United States: A full-bodied, buttery chardonnay with aromas of white peach, green apple, toffee and butterscotch. Rich and and round. Great price for Californian chardonnay. Drink: 2013 - 2016 234435 13.5% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 88/100. April 2014. Best Value White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Pahlmeyer Chardonnay 2010, Sonoma Coast, California, United States Drink: 2014 - 2020 222117 14.9% XD 750 mL $107.95 April 2014. Top Rated White Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart